I have been a freelance makeup artist for the past 30 years – a job that I feel very blessed to do.

Never do I tire of heading off in my little car with Google maps and my trusty makeup kit box in the back -

I’ve had the privilege of working in some incredible places: castles, film studios, mountaintops, and even under the sea. Photoshoots, weddings and filming can take place quite literally anywhere.

I love the buzz of arriving on location and the banter of the crew, hot cup of tea in hand, and opening up my makeup box. The comforting smell of the makeup as I set out my station; ready to work my magic and paint the faces of the celebrity or bride.

With so many options, the glamorous makeup and beauty market can be overwhelming. As a die-hard lover of makeup and beauty products, I wanted to share with you a few of my new-found favourites – just in time for the holiday season.

Take care of your skin

An important beauty tip that really works is to start by taking care of your skin. Your makeup will last a lot longer throughout the day when your skin is clean and hydrated. Your makeup is guaranteed to stay on longer and look better if you have prepared your skin properly and have a consistent skincare routine. I use Journey, a brilliant new 100% chemical-free, cruelty-free skincare and beauty range.

I start by using their cleansing oil, which leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without stripping it of moisture. Next, I apply their soothing moisturising serum, which smells heavenly and is a one-pot wonder. There is no need for eye cream, day cream, night cream or serum because this moisturiser does it all. I’ve had clients suffering from rosacea, eczema, dry skin and also going through chemo or radiation and they have all said Journey’s skincare creams feel so very comforting. It is ideal for wearing under your makeup to prepare the skin and allow foundation to sit perfectly on the face.

These products can be purchased online at journeyskincareandbeauty.com. If you are putting in an order, use the code Dolly 10 and you will get 10% off your purchase.

Elizabeth Arden’s Flawless Finish Skincare Foundation is a 24-hour foundation that is replenishing and comforting on the skin. The combo of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E work to create an excellent finish. It is dermatological tested and non fragrant; ideal for controlling shine and smoothing away fine lines and open pores. Apply your foundation with a brush or sponge and never your fingers.

A quick and easy powder/foundation that I use all the time and that comes in its own compact mirror is Mac’s Studio Fix. I’ve used this for at least 20 years.

It comes with its own handy, washable sponge and a simple dab over the foundation will hide any redness around the nose area, cover darkness under the eyes and shine on chin and forehead. It makes it so quick and easy to brighten up your complexion on the go and it’s great for covering blemishes and broken veins.

For me, it’s paramount to work with makeup that lasts well throughout the day, which is why I prefer Charlotte Tilbury’s award-winning eye shadows and liners as they last beautifully.

Less is more with your eyeliner

Charlotte has created luxury eye shadows that bring out the best in your eye colour and used with her easy-application eye liners (my favourite being Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo colour Green Lights and Super Blue) will create a flattering and dreamy look that’s easy-to-build. Charlotte’s new Instant Eye Palette is full of luxury shades that suit all eye colours; day-to-evening tones, natural or glam.

Remember, less is more with your eyeliner.

Simply apply a fine line across your top lid and blend carefully with a cotton bud, then apply your shadows and, lastly, two coats of mascara.

To finish my makeup looks I could not be without the fabulous Dominic Paul Cosmetics. His gorgeous cruelty-free lip glazes are off the charts; a darling two-in-one gloss and colour that will enhance your makeup and really finish off your look.

Using the doe foot applicator, just one swipe of this non-stick lipstick glaze gives you luscious lips.

Dominic has created a range of five beautiful new colours to suit all skin tones. Lip glazes can be purchased online at dominicpaulcosmetics.com and if you add the code Lipglaze 10 you will get 10% off.

A great Christmas stocking filler!

If you have any makeup or beauty questions or queries you’d like to share with me, I would be delighted to help.

Drop me an email dollybuckley1@gmail.com

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